Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
1 Nov 2025
Reply rate
80.0 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
47
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
read more
Details
Description
We are a family of 5. Jean Paul, Cindy and our 3 children (22, 20 and 11 years old). 8 years ago we decided to start our own small holiday accommodation and bought this old farmhouse. We renovated the building with a lot of help from workawayers. Now we rent out 2 accommodations: a studio and a holiday house. Our goal is to offer a place where guests can relax and have quality time together in a natural environment.
We need help in the private part of the building, not for the company. We are looking for independent, enthusiastic, positive workawayers who also like to explore the area by themselves. There are so many nice things to see/visit ;)! Ofcourse we also like to show you around when we have time and/or tell you about the area ;). We can use extra hands to work in the garden (clearing up fallen leaves, do the last weeding, prepare the garden for the wintertime), general household chores, cleaning, and helping adjust the fence for the goats. We need help as soon as possible :), for 1 or 2 persons, for 1 or 2 weeks.
The farm is situated in the country site. The city centre of Zwolle is only 10 minutes by car, 30 minutes by bike. Zwolle is situated in the central East of the Netherlands. Amsterdam, Utrecht and Groningen are easy to reach by car or train within the hour.
As you can read in our feedbacks, we really like to meet new people and other cultures. We love to share and spend time together, next to the (sometimes hard) work.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We will welcome you in our family, we like to share and meet other people. You can learn from all of the tasks mentioned above, we all speak English, even Laura (11 years old).
Cindy is running the business (B&B and holiday home) and Jean Paul is working for the government.
Help
property maintenance, sanding & painting, cleaning, household, cooking (if you like), gardening (flowers, vegetables). We ask you to work 20-24 hours a week. We provide 3 meals per day and welcome you in our family ;).
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
German: Intermediate
Spanish: Beginner
French: Beginner
Accommodation
the guest room in our house
What else ...
We speak English, German, French and of course Dutch. We try to live in harmony with nature. Part of the family is vegetarian.
Our direct neighbours are still farming with cows and sheep. Zwolle is an ancient city with stone walls and medieval buildings. Deventer (35km), Kampen (20km), Hattem (20km) and Zwolle are other Hanseatic cities close by. Within 45 minutes you can visit several national parks (Weerribben Wieden, Sallandse Heuvelrug, Drents Friese Wold, Drentse AA, Hoge Veluwe). Zwolle has a big diversity in cultural events during summertime. If you want to discover the area, you can take one of our bikes or we can bring you to the nearest bus/trainstation.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Cookie & Dough, Blondie & Brownie
dwarf goats
Sammy
Rocky
Host ref number: 329845714997
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+21
Feedback (28)
19 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Cristiana) for host
My experience with Cindy, Jean Paul, and Laura was wonderful! ❤️
I spent 15 days with this beautiful family, and in such a short time, they made me feel like part of it.
I’m grateful for everything.
Cindy and Jean Paul treated me like their daughter, and Laura is very sweet and lovely.
I also spent time with Zoe and Iwan (their daughter and son),… read more
I spent 15 days with this beautiful family, and in such a short time, they made me feel like part of it.
I’m grateful for everything.
Cindy and Jean Paul treated me like their daughter, and Laura is very sweet and lovely.
I also spent time with Zoe and Iwan (their daughter and son),… read more
7 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Henriette)
Henriette and her friend Mara stayed with us for 2 weeks and it was great fun. We were so happy with them and with their help. Henriette is a spontaneous, creative, joyful girl that is not afraid to work or getting her hands dirty. Give her a job and she will get it done. She is very interested in meeting new people, other cultures and habits. She… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Henriette) for host
Wow, what an experience!! I spend my first Workaway with Cindy, Jean Paul, Iwan, Zoe and Laura. My plan was to come alone but a trip with a friend got cancelled. And it was not a problem that we came together (Thank you).
We both expect something good due to the good feedback. But honestly it was way better than we could ever imagine. We spend two… read more
We both expect something good due to the good feedback. But honestly it was way better than we could ever imagine. We spend two… read more
20 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Nele Zoe) for host
I stayed for two weeks with Cindy, Jean-Paul, Laura and Ivan and I must say that I had a wonderful time with them! ☺️They welcomed me with open arms and I felt very comfortable. Me and two other workaways were directly included into family activities on the weekend and a movie night which was just great! I really appreciated the enrichening talks… read more
25 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Nele Zoe)
Nele is an incredibly sweet, enthusiastic and open person. She was with us for 2 weeks and was a great help. She is a team player, but can also work independently. Give her a task and she'll get it done!She also spent quite a lot of time with our 9-year old daughter, which they both liked. We will miss the fun conversations! Nele, good luck with… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+21
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
19 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Cristiana) for host
My experience with Cindy, Jean Paul, and Laura was wonderful! ❤️
I spent 15 days with this beautiful family, and in such a short time, they made me feel like part of it.
I’m grateful for everything.
Cindy and Jean Paul treated me like their daughter, and Laura is very sweet and lovely.
I also spent time with Zoe and Iwan (their daughter and son),… read more
I spent 15 days with this beautiful family, and in such a short time, they made me feel like part of it.
I’m grateful for everything.
Cindy and Jean Paul treated me like their daughter, and Laura is very sweet and lovely.
I also spent time with Zoe and Iwan (their daughter and son),… read more
7 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Henriette)
Henriette and her friend Mara stayed with us for 2 weeks and it was great fun. We were so happy with them and with their help. Henriette is a spontaneous, creative, joyful girl that is not afraid to work or getting her hands dirty. Give her a job and she will get it done. She is very interested in meeting new people, other cultures and habits. She… read more
(Excellent)
22 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Henriette) for host
Wow, what an experience!! I spend my first Workaway with Cindy, Jean Paul, Iwan, Zoe and Laura. My plan was to come alone but a trip with a friend got cancelled. And it was not a problem that we came together (Thank you).
We both expect something good due to the good feedback. But honestly it was way better than we could ever imagine. We spend two… read more
We both expect something good due to the good feedback. But honestly it was way better than we could ever imagine. We spend two… read more
20 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Nele Zoe) for host
I stayed for two weeks with Cindy, Jean-Paul, Laura and Ivan and I must say that I had a wonderful time with them! ☺️They welcomed me with open arms and I felt very comfortable. Me and two other workaways were directly included into family activities on the weekend and a movie night which was just great! I really appreciated the enrichening talks… read more
25 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Nele Zoe)
Nele is an incredibly sweet, enthusiastic and open person. She was with us for 2 weeks and was a great help. She is a team player, but can also work independently. Give her a task and she'll get it done!She also spent quite a lot of time with our 9-year old daughter, which they both liked. We will miss the fun conversations! Nele, good luck with… read more
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Pedro) for host
My stay with Cindy and Jean Paul went very well, every thing I've seen/experienced with them changed and inspired me.
Thank for everything!
Thank for everything!
23 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Janinanoel)
It was great fun with Janina. Her English is perfect, she helped us a lot with different tasks. Also our daughter Laura loved to spend time with her. Hard working, always positive and interested. We would highly recommend her as a workawayer.
(Excellent)
23 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Giulio)
Giulio spent a couple of weeks with us and it was a great pleasure. We enjoyed the time together and he even cooked some really nice Italian dishes for us. He is interested in other cultures, he is proud to be an Italian and likes to tell about his culture. He helped us a lot with different tasks. We would highly recommend him.
(Excellent)
24 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Giulio) for host
I am very happy to have had my first Workaway experience here. Mainly my works were gardening and carpentry, often together with Cindy and Jean Paul, who were always very helpful for any clarification and patients when I was wrong in my English, during work there were coffee breaks. The environment is very quiet with various activities to do, even… read more
7 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Natalia & Leonardo) for host
We feel immensely grateful and lucky that our first Workaway experience was with Cindy and Jean Paul's family!!
From arrival to departure we were extremely well received and with all the necessary support, always very well explained and aligned. We work a lot together and practice our English daily in a natural conviviality and family… read more
From arrival to departure we were extremely well received and with all the necessary support, always very well explained and aligned. We work a lot together and practice our English daily in a natural conviviality and family… read more
22 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Julian) for host
It was a great experience. I felt well integreated in the family - we went together to a festival in zwolle and had a boat tour. And it was also nice to talk with their children.
The location is very clam and i really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere in the caravan (it was the first time i slept in a craven).
We had varid tasks at work so it was not… read more
The location is very clam and i really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere in the caravan (it was the first time i slept in a craven).
We had varid tasks at work so it was not… read more
21 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Alonso ) for host
My stay at Cindy's place was short but truly remarkable. I wish I would have had time to stay longer. I enjoyed and learned a lot. The house is very comfortable, and the surroundings beautiful. Work was usually easy, and enjoyable. And they are very flexible with the work schedule, which gave me a lot of time to enjoy exploring the… read more
4 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Clara & Bertille) for host
A huge thank you to Cindy and Jean-Paul for their warm welcome. We have wonderful memories of the 3 weeks we spent with their lovely family. We loved helping them to maintain their beautiful property. We enjoyed the time spent with them and with Bénédicte, another workaway. We enjoyed the surroundings, especially the lake of Zwolle (a very nice… read more
9 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Susana)
Suzanna stayed with us for one week together with her boyfriend Frank. She is very nice to have around, helps in the house unasked and is always happy, except for the moment we said goodbye ;-). She had a lot of first time experiences with us and is very enthusiastic in learning new skills. She helped with building a woodshed, drove our tractor,… read more
(Excellent)
7 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Susana) for host
This was my really first experience has a workawayer and I have to say that was the best thing I could ever do.
If you are reading this message cause you are interested to go and workaway in this place, i will definitely recommend 100%.
Jean Paul and Cindy welcomed us very well, i travelled to Netherlands with my boyfriend and we felt like home… read more
If you are reading this message cause you are interested to go and workaway in this place, i will definitely recommend 100%.
Jean Paul and Cindy welcomed us very well, i travelled to Netherlands with my boyfriend and we felt like home… read more
9 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Frank)
Frank stayed with us for only one week with his girlfriend Sanna. They were very nice to have around, helped in the house without asking and played with our 8 year old daughter. Frank knows how to use timberman tools and chainsaw use. Frank paved a part of our garden and build a shed for firewood. Thank you both for the nice talks and laughter.
(Excellent)
7 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Frank) for host
This is exactly what workaway is for! We had such a wonderful week at Cindy and Jean-Paul’s place. It was too quick! We hope to return in the future.
It’s all been said in the other comments haha.
We built a little makeshift woodshed and helped move and organize some of the old building materials. And on the last day I was given a chainsaw and a… read more
It’s all been said in the other comments haha.
We built a little makeshift woodshed and helped move and organize some of the old building materials. And on the last day I was given a chainsaw and a… read more
29 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Ewgenia) for host
Cindy, Jean Paul and their kids are a super host! They were very welcoming and attentive and very caring about make the stay as pleasant as possible. They involved me a lot in their lovely family. Best example for their caring and attentive ways were, then one night I got scared sleeping in the caravan, because of pretty strange noise outside in… read more
7 Sep 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Josep)
It was a great pleasure to host Josep. He helped us with a lot of things: help in the garden, repair (electrical) tools, paving, and a lot more. We enjoyed his company, the conversations and of course his paella!
I would really recommend to host him!
I would really recommend to host him!
(Excellent)
1 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Josep) for host
Such a lovely family! I have been 20 days in Cindy & Jean Paul's house as my first WorkAway... I am very grateful for their hospitality and friendliness. I would recommend it to everyone!
6 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Joanna) for host
It was such a beautiful experience being with Cindy and her family! I stayed there for 40 days. I enjoyed so much our conversations which supported me to make important decisions for my future. After months of living by myself, it was so fulfilling to be part of family dinners and gatherings. These weeks re-shaped my ideas for family and… read more
4 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (FRANCESCA & MARTA) for host
It was my first experience as a workawayer, and it was great, more than I expected!
I helped Cindy in cleaning and shopping for the B&B and the holiday house (which are both amazing!)
I spent a lot of time playing with Laura, and it was fun for me too, she is very sweet and funny!
All the family was very kind and available with me! When they had… read more
I helped Cindy in cleaning and shopping for the B&B and the holiday house (which are both amazing!)
I spent a lot of time playing with Laura, and it was fun for me too, she is very sweet and funny!
All the family was very kind and available with me! When they had… read more
23 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Nancy & Anthony)
Nancy and Tony planned to stay with us for 5 days, but 5 days eventually became 3 months because of Covid-19. The 3 months passed very quickly. They helped us finish our house in the former stable, then refurbishing the front house to get it ready for rental. We are very grateful for everything they have done, from painting, tiling, hanging lamps,… read more
(Excellent)
20 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Nancy & Anthony) for host
Cindy and Jean-Paul literally saved our entire 2020 experience from total failure. As our first stop and first workaway experience, our scheduled week became 90 days! The borders closed and we were faced with returning home or sheltering in place. We were treated as honorary “grandparents” and accepted into the family unit with grace and generous… read more
6 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Companionib) for host
My experience with this beautiful family was awesome, since the first day they were so cool. All the family members always smiling and sharing time with me. Jean Paul and Cindy always there to see if you're ok and teaching you new skills and different points of view about life and work. I had the best 3 weeks of my life in the Netherlands. They… read more
25 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Monique)
Monique stayed with us for 3 weeks and it was a really good time, she is such a nice, kind girl, we loved to have her around. Our daughter Laura wanted to play with her all the time! She still misses Monique....
Monique did a lot of work, also the heavy work and was always willing to try new things. She did a great job! Monique is very respectful… read more
Monique did a lot of work, also the heavy work and was always willing to try new things. She did a great job! Monique is very respectful… read more
(Excellent)
13 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Monique) for host
My weeks living with Cindy, Jean Paul, Ivan, Zoë, and Laura was so blissful and I miss you all so much!! They really know how to make anyone feel welcome and I am forever greatful for making me feel so at home in their family. Thanks to Cindy for her really tasty cooking, and everyone for including me in the things you did and showing me around… read more
25 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sean & Amy)
Sean and Amy stayed with us for 2 weeks and it was a great time. At first, they were a little bit afraid that they could not be of great value, because they did not have experience in building/constructionwork, but they did a great job! Always willing to try and learn new things and very ambitious to do the things right. They are respectful to… read more
(Excellent)
7 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sean & Amy) for host
This was our first workaway experience. It couldn't have been better! Cindy and Jean-Paul were amazing, they were so kind, and included us in their family right from the start. The work was varied, and they were flexible about when we could do it. We learnt a lot from both them, and the other workawayers. They were really clear about what they… read more
25 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (mariagerard)
Maria and Gerard stayed with us for three weeks and it was great fun! They helped us with a lot of things in building/construction and their cooking is amazing! Maria and Gerard are very easy-going, nice people with a lot of respect for other people and our family life. We were really happy to have them around and I would highly recommend them to… read more
(Excellent)
6 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (mariagerard) for host
We were with the family of Cindy and Jean Paul and their three wonderful children for three weeks, and the experience was very authentic, it was just what we wanted. Although we didn't speak perfect English, they helped us a lot to be comfortable with them. We have laughed a lot together, and these were the highlights of our trip in Holland.
The… read more
The… read more
23 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Molly & Cory)
Molly stayed with us for 2 weeks and brought a very positive energy. She was a hard worker not afraid off getting her hands dirty on carpentry and gardening. Our garden looks great again without all the weed. Molly was very interested in our culture and the way we do things. We learned to know her as a woman who likes to learn and explore, very… read more
(Excellent)
23 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Molly & Cory) for host
I had a wonderful 2-week stay with Cindy, Jean-Paul and the kids! From my arrival, the family made me feel at home and welcomed me with open arms. Having no prior experience in building, I learned a lot every day. The work that we volunteers completed was never too hard and always appreciated. Our day started around 8 or 9 with a morning break and… read more
23 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Joshua)
Joshua was with our family for 6 weeks and helped us a lot in realizing our home and recreational company. Joshua is a plumber by trade but can also be a precise carpenter as well as a gardener, what he does he does with precision.
Hard and precise worker with the known German punctuallity. He liked to finish his work before a break and cleaned… read more
Hard and precise worker with the known German punctuallity. He liked to finish his work before a break and cleaned… read more
(Excellent)
20 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Joshua) for host
I stayed at Jean-Pauls and Cindys place for more than a month, it was my first workaway experience and it was just overwhelming. From the day I arrived the whole family was welcoming and open towards me and after just a few days it felt like I was part of the family too. We ate together, laughed together and played sjoelen together, wich always… read more
9 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Akim)
Akim stayed with us for almost a month. From the start, he was able to work indepently, which was very nice for us. He helped us building the walls and worked in the garden. It was very nice to have him around. Akim, we wish you good luck with your last internship. And we hope to see you back here to show you the final result!
(Excellent)
28 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Akim) for host
I stayed for 1 month with Cindy and Jean-Paul. It was my third workaway experience, the best for the end :wink:
The whole family is lovely, they can easily adapt themselves and know how to welcome workawayers warmly. Cindy and Jean-Paul are always opened to talk and to find solutions when there is a problem.
I'd like to say to Ivan and Zoe (… read more
The whole family is lovely, they can easily adapt themselves and know how to welcome workawayers warmly. Cindy and Jean-Paul are always opened to talk and to find solutions when there is a problem.
I'd like to say to Ivan and Zoe (… read more
16 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas & Paige)
Thomas stayed with us from the beginning of October to the 11th of December 2018. At first, he should stay for one month, but he had a very good connection with every one of us. It was really nice to have him around, so in the end, he stayed with us for 10 weeks! And probably (and we hope so) he will return. He is a hard worker who works very… read more
(Excellent)
14 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Thomas & Paige) for host
For a first workaway experience I couldn't have asked for better! I was made to feel part of the family from the moment I arrived. Individually everyone made it an amazing experience, everyday was enjoyable and always filled with laughter!
Lots of good work and cool projects to do and always time to explore the local area and enjoy time with the… read more
Lots of good work and cool projects to do and always time to explore the local area and enjoy time with the… read more
7 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Sean)
We had a wonderful time with Sean. He is easy going, very kind and interested in all kinds of things. And he loves animals! From the first moment we had a good connection and it was very fun to have him around and to work together. He painted the entrance and the garage, worked in the garden, helped to isolate and refit the roof and made our… read more
(Excellent)
2 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Sean) for host
Cindy, Jean Paul and their three amazing kids were the most perfect host's during my stay with them. They all accepted me into into their home and their family and I truly appreciate every day I had with them. New freindships were forged and I was able to climb many trees in my spare time, amazing bonus!
I feel we were able to achieve a lot during… read more
I feel we were able to achieve a lot during… read more
23 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (David)
David, thank you so much for helping us with rebuilding the garage! It was a pleasure to have you here! We wish you all the best, kind regards, Jean-Paul & Cindy
(Very good)
10 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
I can not be more grateful to this family for the opportunity they have given me. I have felt really appreciated at all times and the continuous expressions of gratitude for your work make everything simple and enjoyable fun. Everything is good there. Do not hesitate, if you plan to visit Holland this is your place
My best family i wish you the… read more
My best family i wish you the… read more
29 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Jacky & Karine) for host
We were greeted at Jean Paul and Cindy very warmly as if we were friends! We helped turn a garage into a house with Guillermo a very friendly workawayer also. This week has been a real delight for us. The whole family accompanied us for the visit to Zwolle and we were fed like kings!!! We have worked in laughter and good humour and we all thank… read more
26 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jacky & Karine)
We were very lucky to have you here, it was a real pleasure! We will remember the nice moments we shared together, all the good work you did and the things we learned from you. Jacky is a really good carpenter (and teacher), Karine did the painting outside (it is finally black ;)) and looked after our little daughter a couple of times. And not to… read more
(Excellent)
26 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Alvaro )
Alvaro and Mora stayed with us for almost 5 weeks. It was a real pleasure to have them around. They helped us a lot with the painting of 4 km's of wood. Sometimes not easy because it was very hot, but they never complained. They really made a party of it. Nice music, a dance once in a while ;). They helped with the roof and sometimes took care of… read more
(Excellent)
21 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Alvaro ) for host
We stayed with Cindy and Jean-Paul for more than a month. This was our first workaway experience and we couldn't ask for more. There are simply no words for the AMAZING time we had there! They're one of the most loving and caring persons we've ever met. They're easy-going and very flexible regarding work too - at first there was a lot of painting… read more
